What happened
On April 30, 2011, at 20:50 UTC, an IPE-02B glider, registration PP-FIJ, was performing a local instructional flight at Fazenda Thália, Balsa Nova, Brazil. The flight was part of a glider pilot training program, carrying an instructor and a student.
Prior to the flight, the instructor and the tow plane pilot had coordinated an emergency simulation maneuver. The plan was to disconnect the tow rope once the glider reached an altitude of 60 meters. During the execution of this maneuver, the instructor disconnected the tow at the agreed altitude. However, the student had not been briefed on this specific exercise, and the glider experienced a much higher rate of descent than anticipated during the final approach.
As the aircraft approached the runway, the crew encountered significant atmospheric disturbances. The terrain near the runway threshold, characterized by uneven ground and varying vegetation, had created mechanical turbulence and uneven convective currents. This caused the glider to drop below the required glide slope. The instructor took control of the aircraft to manage the descent, but the glider ultimately performed a heavy landing on an upward slope near the runway threshold. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The student remained uninjured, but the instructor sustained a serious spinal injury.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of altitude and the lack of coordination between the crew members. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the glider was operated above its maximum takeoff weight. The investigation also reviewed the instructional procedures of the Balsa Nova Glider Club, finding a lack of formal documentation regarding standardized flight exercises and student learning milestones.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating outside of its permitted weight and balance limits.
- The instructor failed to brief the student on the planned emergency disconnection maneuver.
- The terrain and vegetation near the runway threshold promoted ground turbulence and varying convective currents, which degraded the glider's flight path.
- The student's lack of familiarity with the specific maneuver likely contributed to an inefficient turn and excessive altitude loss.
- The club lacked formal instructional documents defining specific learning objectives for each flight mission.
- Atmospheric turbulence and convective currents were primary factors in the glider's inability to maintain the glide slope.